Social Security Spousal Benefit while Spouse is Working

You can collect benefits on a spouse’s work record regardless of whether you also worked. If you are eligible for both your own retirement benefit and a spousal benefit, Social Security will pay you the higher of the two amounts.

What is the best social security strategy for married couples?

Coordinating your benefits with your spouse’s benefits can help you both get the most out of your Social Security payments. In some cases, it makes sense for both spouses to claim on the same spouse’s earnings record. Many couples use a “split strategy,” which means they begin claiming at different ages.

Can I take my Social Security at 62 and then switch to spousal benefit?

Only if your spouse is not yet receiving retirement benefits. In this case, you can claim your own Social Security beginning at 62 and make the switch to spousal benefits when your husband or wife files.

What are the rules for spousal benefits of Social Security?

To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of these: At least 62 years of age. Any age and caring for a child entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record and who is younger than age 16 or disabled.

Can I collect spousal benefits and wait until I am 70 to collect my own Social Security?

You can only collect spousal benefits and wait until 70 to claim your retirement benefit if both of the following are true: You were born before Jan. 2, 1954. Your spouse is collecting his or her own Social Security retirement benefit.

Are Social Security spousal benefits going away?

Spouses born after Jan. 1, 1954, can no longer claim spousal benefits and later switch to collecting benefits based on their own work record. The new law also ended “file and suspend,” which allowed a spouse to file for benefits but delay collecting them in order to make the other spouse eligible for spousal benefits.

When can a spouse claim spousal benefits?

You must have been married at least 10 years. You must have been divorced from the spouse for at least two consecutive years. You are unmarried. Your ex-spouse must be entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits.